The Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA, is an innovative prototype of a solar panel that rolls open in space like a tape measure and is more compact than current rigid panel designs. Testing in an Arnold Engineering Development Complex space chamber at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., helped in preparing ROSA for its successful deployment on June 26, 2017. (NASA courtesy photo)

The Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA, deployed at the end of the robotic arm is an innovative prototype of a solar panel that rolls open in space like a tape measure and is more compact than current rigid panel designs. ROSA underwent testing in an Arnold Engineering Development Complex space chamber at Arnold Air Force Base that helped prepare for its recent deployment. (NASA courtesy photo)

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Testing in an Arnold Engineering Development Complex space chamber here helped in preparing the Roll-Out Solar Array for its successful experimental deployment at the International Space Station on June 26, 2017.

ROSA is a flexible, lightweight and rollable solar panel. According to Michael Malloy, AEDC test engineer and John Claybrook, AEDC Space and Missiles Combined Test Force test manager, who headed the test project for AEDC, ROSA is a newer type of solar panel that has the ability of rolling open and is also more compact than other more rigid solar panel designs.

“Deployable Space Systems and Space Systems Loral initiated this technology for use in the Space System Loral’s standard spacecraft bus for geosynchronous, or GEO, orbit,” Malloy said.

Malloy mentioned Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA also played a big part in development by funding its advancement.

“What we did in the 7A Chamber was part of the thermal cycling of the solar panels,” Malloy said. “Because they’re thin in comparison to other solar arrays we wanted to see how the testing in extreme heat and cold would affect it and validate the cell bonding adhesives.”

ROSA was also tested in the AEDC space chamber for its gaseous helium capability.

“This capability allows us to provide a 20 Kelvin background, which is -423 degrees Fahrenheit,” he said.